A soufflé might not rise twice, but this hit comedy will!
Written and performed by Jonathan Biggins
The sermon on the mount returns to our stages for a victory lap as Jonathan Biggins – co-creator and star of The Wharf Revue and one of Australia’s favourite comic actors – transforms into the visionary, reformer and rabble-rouser, Paul Keating.
Exploring the former PM’s landmark political achievements and personal obsessions, The Gospel According to Paul takes the light on the hill and shines it on a man who grew up in the Labor Party at the knee of Jack Lang, approached economics as an artform, and demanded we confront the wrongs of our past. This production captures Keating’s eviscerating Question Time wit and wraps it up in a Zegna suit.
With fresh takes on Keating’s recent media moments and zeitgeist zingers, no scumbag is safe in this show, not even our humble narrator.
Reviews
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(an) hilariously funny, astute, inspiring show.
- Limelight Magazine -
a masterclass in biographical theatre. Biggins’ superb acting alone carries the play but his sparkling and provocative script, channelling the protagonist’s characteristic acerbic wit, elevates the performance to another level.
- ArtsHub -
A rare treat.
- Stagenoise -
Biggins’ finest work
- Sydney Morning Herald
Creatives
| Director | Aarne Neeme |
| Designer | Mark Thompson |
| Lighting Designer | Verity Hampson |
| Sound and Video Designer | David Bergman |
| Producer | Jo Dyer |
| Technical Director | Marcus Kelson |
| Touring Technician | Sam Read |
| Company Stage Manager | Tanya Leach |
| Photographer credit | Brett Boardman |
About Soft Tread
Soft Tread Enterprises was established in 2008 by film and theatre producer Jo Dyer to develop and produce independent, commercial projects across film, TV and the performing arts.
Soft Tread’s live productions have featured in the Sydney and Melbourne Festivals, the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, and at venues around Australia. They have toured internationally, most recently to New York, New Zealand and India and as a headline act at the legendary Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas.
Soft Tread’s films have screened and been acclaimed worldwide. Its most recent film, Girl Asleep, had its international premiere at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival and won awards including Best Film at the Seattle Film Festival and the Critics’ Award at the Melbourne Film Festival.
The Producers wish to thank:
Arts on Tour
Anne Schofield Antiques
Brother Rory of De La Salle Brothers’ Archives
Opera Australia
Glenn A. Baker
Keating’s watch generously loaned by Just a Sec, Watch Clock and Pocket Watch specialists
